Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off

&

Carnivale Parade

The fruitcake is all cleaned up, now it’s time for another Manitou Springs day of fun. The gumbo starts cooking at 8am, February 13, 2010 in Manitou Springs. The entry form defines gumbo as, “A Cajun soup containing roux and thickened with gumbo file (dried sassafras leaves). It usually contains a variety of meats and or seafood, okra and other ingredients & seasonings and is generally served over rice.” Each contestant is required to make a minimum of 5 gallons of their specialty gumbo.

After the judges complete their tasting and ratings of the amateur and professional divisions at 10:45am the public digs in – 2 tastings for a dollar. Competition is limited to 20 entries; winners receive cash prizes & trophies. Head to Soda Springs Park for a mumbo jumbo gumbo splurge.

Carnivale Parade sets off through downtown Manitou at 1pm. I’ve never attended this event but this is the same community that brings us Coffin Races in October and the Great Fruitcake Toss in January. I’m pretty sure they know how to have a good time with gumbo and carnivale.

When You Go: Manitou Springs is encompassed by Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods.